Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl

A Flavor-Packed, Hearty Meal in One Bowl

This Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl brings together bold flavors inspired by Mexican street corn (elote) with tender, seasoned chicken and fluffy rice. Topped with a creamy, tangy sauce and garnished with fresh herbs, this dish is a satisfying balance of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors. Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, this dish is both comforting and packed with nutrients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold, Smoky Flavors – Inspired by traditional elote, this dish incorporates smoky chili powder, lime, and a creamy sauce.
• Protein-Packed – Juicy, well-seasoned chicken provides a hearty and filling meal.
• Easy to Make – Ready in under 45 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Meal-Prep Friendly – Perfect for prepping ahead for lunches or quick dinners.
• Customizable – Adjust spice levels and toppings to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Street Corn Topping

• 2 cups corn (fresh, frozen, or canned)
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Juice of ½ lime
• ¼ cup crumbled cotija cheese (or feta)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

For the Rice Base

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Optional Toppings

• Diced avocado
• Sliced jalapeños
• Hot sauce
• Extra cotija cheese
• Extra cilantro

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

1. In a small bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Rub the seasoning mix onto the chicken breasts evenly.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F).
4. Squeeze lime juice over the chicken, remove from heat, and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

2. Make the Street Corn Topping

1. If using fresh corn, char it in a dry skillet over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until slightly blackened. If using frozen or canned corn, drain and pat dry before charring.
2. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chili powder, smoked paprika, lime juice, and cotija cheese.
3. Stir in the charred corn and chopped cilantro. Set aside.

3. Prepare the Rice Base

1. If not already cooked, prepare rice according to package instructions.
2. Stir in butter and lime juice for extra flavor.

4. Assemble the Bowl

1. Divide the rice between serving bowls.
2. Add sliced chicken on top.
3. Spoon the street corn mixture over the chicken.
4. Garnish with extra toppings of your choice.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Variations & Customizations

• Make it Spicy – Add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder.
• Use a Different Protein – Swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or grilled steak.
• Low-Carb Option – Substitute cauliflower rice for a lighter meal.
• Dairy-Free – Use dairy-free yogurt and skip the cheese.
• Extra Creamy – Add a drizzle of avocado crema or chipotle sauce.

Servings & Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.
• Freezing: The chicken and rice can be frozen separately for up to 3 months. The street corn mixture is best fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep the chicken and rice in advance and store them in the fridge. Assemble the bowls fresh when ready to eat.

What’s the best type of rice to use?

Cilantro-lime rice pairs best, but plain white or brown rice works well too.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Absolutely! Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side.

What can I use instead of cotija cheese?

Feta cheese is a great substitute, or you can use grated Parmesan.

How do I make this vegetarian?

Replace the chicken with grilled tofu, tempeh, or roasted chickpeas.

What if I don’t like mayonnaise?

Use Greek yogurt or a mix of olive oil and lime juice instead.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes! Just thaw and pat it dry before charring in the pan.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as all ingredients used are gluten-free.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Swap dairy-free yogurt for sour cream and omit the cheese.

What can I serve with this?

A side of guacamole, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad pairs well.

Conclusion

The Loaded Street Corn Chicken Rice Bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of street corn in a hearty, satisfying meal. With its smoky spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, this dish is both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy every delicious bite!

Print